Homework Confessions

Welcome to the fourth week of school.  For my third grader (who was brought to tears on a regular basis by second grade homework), it is a breeze.  Time consuming (30 minutes plus math facts plus reading), but he hearts his binder and works independently 98% of the time. 

For my Kindergartener, the 10 (pshaw) minutes of homework is like nothing that can be described in the English language.  I've worked in his class so I know he isn't at the bottom but somewhere in the middle lurks my boy.  He knows all of his phonics, recognizes letters and numbers, and can add simple numbers.  His motors skills are ATROCIOUS (he can't hold a pencil, he can't cut with scissors, he can't write his name....the kindergarten way).   I know that he's a boy and these skills will come and all that but it is still crazy intense.  And I know that I am a crazy intense mom.  His 10 minutes (again PSHAW!) of homework this week: Writing the numbers 1-2-3 five times, Writing the sight words (is-I-See) five times, Naming the five senses, Reviewing the three letters he wasn't able to identify or create the correct sound for, Writing his name the kindergarten way (because he writes in ALL CAPS).  Last week it was about the same.  AND. IT. WAS. PAINFUL. 

Here's the thing, I push my kids pretty hard and turn 10 minutes of homework into 40 minutes of homework BUT by the end of last week Keith was writing his name correctly.  HUGE.  I was just about ready to give up and back off and find another hobby.  And then he conquered it.   He really is a rockstar (with a healthy pre-paid therapy account, thanks to me).  He even got the Character Counts award for responsibility and a lollipop to go along with it because candy also counts.

And then there is LoLos.  Most days she is content to park herself at (or on) the table with her brother and scribble in her notebook.  Some days, she is in need of the newly minted time-out (lauren style).

In my world there isn't anything that is harder than watching my children struggle.  I want it to be easy!  It isn't.  It is easy for Patrick right now but I know that I will have my own (count to ten and breathe) moments with him.  I hate that I can't just feed them the knowledge, skills, and everything they need like I feed them dinner.  But the struggle makes their success so much sweeter.  Keith's development in four short weeks has been AMAZING.  Patrick's level of focus and responsibility has improved so much.  I am lucky to have these kids and I hope that I am doing enough things right to make up for my mistakes.